Tag Archives: Safety Razor

On a rainy Saturday afternoon, I was bouncing around the Internet and came across West Coast Shaving’s Build Your Own Starter Shaving Kit. For $30 plus shipping and tax, you’re given a choice of badger brushes, double edge safety razors, shaving cream and razors to choose from. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Could this be? Would I go through the motions only to find out nothing I want is available or worse, the site hadn’t been updated and this offer no longer available? After poking around and building what I thought was a good set, I realize this is happening. This set is priced at $30 plus tax and shipping. I know we’re used to free shipping these days but I was so intrigued by this offering that I wasn’t going to be turned away.

I ordered the set on Saturday afternoon and by Wednesday night, it was waiting for me. Excited see the product, I tore into it that night, took a peak and knew I scored a set that would rival any. I held out though and did an unboxing via Instagram stories. If you missed it, be sure to follow my in the gram.

Out the gate, West Coast Shaving impressed me with it’s packaging. For $30, they are giving you a badger brush, razor, shaving soap and razors. No one could blame them if they bubble wrapped each item and sent it along in a brown box. Instead, each piece is packaged by itself in West Coast Shaving branded packaging. As for the razor, the handle and razor head came in separate boxes.

The badger brush I choose has an ivory handle and I’m loving the blue tip. Made of synthetic badger hair, the bristles are soft and overall, it’s well constructed.

The stainless steel double edge safety razor is a thing of beauty and by itself, it will last you a lifetime. I’m loving the ergonomic design of the handle and its grip strips. What’s most impressive is its weight. It’s by far the heaviest starter razor I’ve ever held in my hand. This razor is a closed comb, three piece that requires breaking down by unscrewing the handle to dismount the head, which is an additional two pieces. If there’s one criticism, one could argue that a twist to open would be a more appropriate “starter” razor.

Astra Superior Platinum Double Edge Razors were the default or you could pay an additional $7 for a sampler pack. The latter would be a good option if you’re truly purchasing this as a starter kit for someone but kept the Astra blades since I knew I’d use blades I already have at home.

Lastly, the shave soap is West Coast Shaving’s own brand and comes in three scents, bay rum, ocean and lime basil. For a fragrance head like myself, I thought the lime basil would be the most interesting. It’s quite fragrant and I’m liking the juxtaposition of the lime and basil.

Bottom line, this is an excellent kit. It’s remarkable they are offering all of this for $30 plus tax and shipping. What’s pictured above is the set I put together and I love that even at this price, West Coast Shaving offers choices.

Father’s Day is right around the corner and this would make an excellent gift, even for someone who is a seasoned shaver. For a young man graduating college and moving into the professional world, this would make a great gift too.

Men can be fiercely loyal. When we find something we like, there’s no separating us. Take for instance my love of sweatpants. Over the years I’ve only had a few and I wore them to shreds. The most recent pair I was forced to part with had holes in both pockets but I loved them.

The same is true with grooming products. When it works, it’s hard to try anything else. As someone that loves to try new things, I still find myself using some of the same products. Lately, however, I felt the desire to use a new shaving cream so I blind bought a jar of The Body Shop’s Maca Root Shave Cream and I’m hooked.

To be completely honest, I reached into my pockets for this one because it was at an irresistible price. At $12, how could I go wrong? Nevertheless, what I observed before using it made the decision easier. Upon opening the tester, I noticed immediately its pleasant scent that reminded me of a barbershop. (The added chemicals from scent, however, could be a reason for concern…more on that in a bit) I also noticed its light and creamy texture, which is usually a good sign that it’ll build a nice lather.

From the very first shave, it lathered up beautifully. I didn’t notice the scent all that much and after more than 10 uses, I haven’t experienced any dryness or irritation. My face has felt incredibly soft and hydrated. Chalk that up to its use of Brazilian Nut Oil and Sesame Oil. What really impresses me about this shave cream is how close my shaves have been. I shave every day to avoid ingrown hairs but while I’m using this cream, when I’m ready for my next shave, my face feels like it can skip a day and I have. On one occasion, my wife ran her hand across my face and asked, “Did you just shave?” I said why and she replied, “Your face is so smooth.” While that may seem like it was taken right out of a commercial, it shocked me because she never mentions that sort of stuff. But I noticed it myself and it’s amongst the reasons why I think you should grab a jar for yourself. If you need another reason, consider this – a quick dab of your badger brush into the cream will produce a rich, frothy lather. At that rate, you’ll be sitting on this shave cream for a long time. The return on investment will continue yielding benefits.